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Apart from his work as a musician, Nev has also run an independent recording studio which has recorded numerous artists over the years. Trio won the senior section. All of these things are Warren. Recently, the twins released a book of stories on their rise to fame titled "Showbiz Hustlers" "telling of how two rough and tumble boys from a Queensland sugar cane farm became country music stars," according to one reviewer. Aussie country star Adam Brand has banded together with a number of other artsts to form a "supergroup" known as Drought Breakers which came to fruition via indigenous musician Scott Darlow and record a single to raise money for drought relief. For Austraian Artist of the Year What support can employers count on from a recruitment agency?

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However Coles Express sites will be open. Small grocery chains, convenience or corner stores, petrol stations and chemists can open at their discretion. Retail will trade pretty much as it does on a standard Saturday across Australia, with shopping centres, supermarkets, and licensed venues like pubs and clubs and bottle shops open and trading as normal.

A restricted, trading day again, so some supermarkets will be closed. Most Coles supermarkets will be open and customers can check opening hours of local stores on their website. In NSW, most bottle shops are closed, but you can go in for a drink at licensed venues as normal.

Snacking on chocolate over Easter is a given, but how much activity do you need to do to work off those tasty treats? Log in No account? Sign up Log out news. Major cinemas will operate as normal. I thought that was pretty incredible. Another inspiring event was a fire at a cattle station next to the one Emma was working on.

As a nurse in her day job, Emma has seen the best and worst of life, but said the world would be a better place if people took some advice from Pay It Forward. The video can be viewed here. Coal Seam Gas threatens one of the greatest water storage systems on our planet — the great artesian basin. The Bushwackers are well known for taking a stand. Catherine Britt has released the lead single — Red Dirt — from her upcoming new album. Red Dirt is the opening track on the album and is described as "an ode to driving toward the outback skies, leaving the city in the rearview mirror.

It was filmed in Silverton Hotel, Western Australia with many scenes taken inside the Silverton Hotel which Catherine and her husband ran for a month each year, together with the associted Silverton Sunset Music Festival. I thought about who would get that and pull it off and these guys were perfect. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, both good and bad, and the last three years have seen Catherine fight and win a battle with breast cancer, marry her husband James and most recently, give birth to their first child.

Another winner of "country note" was Darren Carr pictured who took top honours in the Sight Act category. Melinda was a standout nominee on the night featuring also in the Female Vocal and Club Performer of the Year categories.

The Music Network reported the new deal covered Kirsty's next two album releases, her fifth and sixth major works.

Critically acclaimed, Kirsty is the only artist to have three major new talent events under her belt Tickets can be obtained here. Wholesale revenue for the Australian music industry grew for a third consecutive year in , largely fuelled by paid streaming subscriptions, according to figures released by ARIA the Australian Recording Industry Association. The streaming category now includes income from subscription services such as Apple Music, Deezer, GooglePlay, Tidal and Spotify and other non-subscription on-demand streaming services such as YouTube and Vevo.

Streaming is counted as part of digital figures, up Digital albums fell Physical product CD and vinyl still make up 25 percent of the Australian market. The vinyl renaissance continues in this country, growing for the seventh consecutive year, increasing by 19 percent in In comparison, in the United States last year, streaming made up 62 percent of the market in the first half.

CDs were downthree percent and vinyl up three percent. Vinyl albums comprised 29 percent of total physical shipments at retail value — their highest share since the mids. The growth of the local music industry depends on how successfully streaming services can draw in more paid subscribers. The Gympie Music Muster has announced the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia as its major charity beneficiary from this year's event.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia PCFA is a charity dedicated to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners and families, by funding research, raising awareness and providing support to sufferers and their loved ones.

Tim and John will be guest speakers and will also perform. An auction, with all proceeds going direct to PCFA. Malcolm Freame, Chief Operating Officer of PCFA, said he was excited to be part of a major national event and looked forward to using the platform to generate awareness and fundraising.

It is time for men in rural areas to take the issue more seriously. It is also important to understand that in the early stages of prostate cancer, when it can be treated and cured, there are often no symptoms.

Awareness is just so important — a large part of the reason that country men are doing worse with prostate cancer is that they are presenting to doctors with later, less-treatable cases. So, this is very much about influencing attitudes. The Foundation holds a special place in the heart of the Muster family as performer Tim Gaze has been affected by the disease himself and credits Angry Anderson for virtually saving his life.

A valued part of the Muster line-up over many years, Tim is a fixture at the festival's Guitar Jam, which brings together some of Australia's best guitarists to collaborate and perform together. Even since my experience with prostate cancer in , diagnosis and treatments have improved radically.

The medical procedure I experienced then radical prostatectomy required a four-day stay in hospital, but that stay now has been shortened to one or two days max, and the treatments have become even more precise and less invasive. This year's dates are Thursday August 23 to Sunday August Kylie pictured , who has been songwriting professionally in Nashville for almost 20 years, won the Toyota Star Maker quest in Tamworth in She was recognised last night for her songwriting work overseas with artists including LeAnn Rimes and Faith Hill.

I enjoy word puzzles, making melodies, and the mathematics of what people find to be a catchy song. Anna took a photo of Warren and then asked a friend to take a photo of them together. One in particular intrigued Jauczius, a technical officer with the Australian Weather Bureau who has documented his life in acrylics, oils, pastels and watercolour.

They met the next day at his studio and it just went from there. Jauczius travelled with Williams to his home town of Hermannsburg in Central Australia. I saw a quiet, proud man. A man who has a deep connection with his family, his culture and the land. Then he took me to the mission, the place he grew up in. He constantly told stories which resonated with me, and a complete picture was formed. All of these things are Warren. This is home, and home is where you can truly be yourself.

His passion for music is similar, too, to the way I feel about painting. It is a simple white-washed sandstone building dating back to In it attracted more than entries. Warren has released 10 albums to date and is a radio broadcaster in Alice Springs. Tracks on the album include songs that have only been "B" sides on singles or never been commercially available anywhere. Included in the 25 tracks is Troy's very first single Proud Young Man which, up until now, has only ever been available on seven inch vinyl.

It has been two years since the release of Keith's most recent album, the chart topping Ripcord. Graffiti U — his ninth studio album — will feature 13 tracks, including his current single Parallel Line. The "intimate" image on the Graffiti U album cover was taken by world-renowned photographer Mark Seliger. Meanwhile, Keith will return to Australia in early May for a short promo trip to talk about the new album.

Keith has consistently topped charts in Australia and the US over the last decade, amassing more than 22 million album sales worldwide with combined sales of 1. It was chosen as the theme song for Commonwealth Games mascot Borobi. Kasey explained her special inspiration for the album The campfire was the heart of our existence: We hunted all our own food and then cooked it on the campfire.

My brother and I did all our schooling via correspondence around the campfire. We gathered around the campfire at night to play songs together as a family. Our connection to music and the land has developed through and around the campfire since I was born, so it has always stayed with me as a special part of my life.

Campfire is an album Kasey says she has wanted to make her whole life. From my early years of my family drawing from the Aboriginal way of life in the outback of Australia to experiencing the African culture and immediately connecting with it, living the seaside lifestyle in Southend, South Australia and later on, my time living on Norfolk Island to then many years of touring throughout America and being inspired by their musical culture, I have taken all of those experiences and put them into the songs and sounds for Campfire…".

The full list of tour dates and ticketing information can be found on Kasey's website www. Comparisons could be drawn with the Australian music industry. Similar to , these increases came primarily from growth in paid music subscriptions to services like Spotify, Amazon, Tidal, AppleMusic, Pandora and others, which grew by more than 50 percent.

This is the first time since that US music revenues grew materially for two years in a row. Streaming music platforms accounted for almost to thirds of total US music industry revenues in , and contributed nearly all of the growth. The streaming category includes revenues from premium subscription services, streaming radio services including those revenues distributed by SoundExchange like Pandora, SiriusXM, and other Internet radio , and ad-supported on-demand streaming services such as YouTube, Vevo, and ad-supported Spotify.

Paid subscriptions were the biggest growth driver for the music industry in The Queensland outback town of Winton — renowned as the birthplace of Banjo Paterson's Waltzing Matilda — will stage its inaugural Way Out West Fest next month to celebrate the grand re-opening of The Waltzing Matilda Centre which was destroyed by fire in Described as "a unique four-day music and cultural experience" the Festival will feature a big line-up of entertainers from Thursday April 19 through to and including Sunday April Entertainment will commence at various in-town venues from midday on Thursday and continue through until 1am.

A "relaxed and open format will allow patrons to curate their own musical adventure from the wide range of options available to suit their own itinerary and taste while they enjoy the country hospitality that is unique to Winton," according to a Festival spokesman.

The official opening of the new Waltzing Matilda Centre is scheduled for 11am on Friday in Elderslie Street — the street will be closed for the four days of the Festival. Entertainment will resume in various venues from The official Waltzing Matilda Centre luncheon will be held at the Winton Shire Hall from 1pm until 3pm for invited guests.

Gates will open at 4pm at the Eric Lenton Recreational Reserve for the Friday night main stage concert which kicks off at 5pm and runs through till 2am. On Saturday, in-town entertainment at various venues will commence at 10am and run through through until 4. Gates will open at 4pm at the Eric Lenton Recreational Reserve for the Saturday night main stage concert which kicks off at 5pm and runs through untill 2am.

An adjunct to the festival will be a Busby Marou conert at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Recovery attraction — 26 minutes drive from Winton — from 11am till 2pm. The pair will play Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Tamworth between April 21 and April 29 at shows that have sold out or almost sold out.

As various media have reported, including noise You work hard to write a song. I tour most of the year and visit some of the littlest towns throughout Australia, but we have to have these venues to play in. Key issues addressed during the visit to Parliament House were Some figures, detailing how the Australian music industry impacts on the economy, were central to discussions Country music is definitely in the air at Easter time in Australia.

We have a comprensive listing of festivals here , but let's take a closer look at a couple of the more significant events coming up this weekend. The National Folk Festival is on in Canberra. Undoubtedly there are other smaller events, but plenty of option for fans wanting to get out and enjoy their favourite music. New Zealand country artist Peter Caulton died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, March Dubbed an "outlaw country singer" Peter's career extended to 26 countries, including Australia where he had his own radio show and the United States where he recorded an album in for Austin, Texas-based BSW Records.

He has played on live shows, on tlevision and in concert with many well-known performers. Born in New Zealand, Peter grew up in small country towns and spent time in Europe as well as Australia. Finnian Johnson — a rising country star, as evidenced by a number of wins at Tamworth in January — was presented with the Junior MO award.

Darren Carr — another country aligned artist — was named Comedy Act of the Year. A full listing of winners can be found at www. The Manning River Times reported that the venue is a special place for Dianne. Back in the s, two young country music entertainers hit the road with their first music tour, along with a five-week-old daughter.

Their first show on the tour was in the hall at the Nabiac Showground. In honour of her parents and Australian country music pioneers, Saturday night's concert is held back where it all began for her family so many years ago.

The show will be conducted in "fine old country style entertainment" with a light supper provided at interval and time for the audience to meet and speak with the entertainers. For further details and bookings, phone Peter Simpson on A former deputy Prime Minister of Australia and current member for Grayndler in Sydney, Anthony Albanese was a huge supporter of the Australian music industry and fan of Australian music. The musical development of just about all professional musicians in this country would have been very much influenced by their patronage of independent stores.

The Global Country Artist Award recognises outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign-based territory.

Previous winners have included a number of well known Australian acts The Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award — recognising outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States — was presented to Mark Hagen, a year television and radio veteran producer, currently working for BBC Radio 2 in the United Kingdom.

The International Artist Achievement Award — recognising outstanding achievement by a U S based artist who has demonstrated the most significant growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States — went to Little Big Town.

The International Country Broadcaster Award — recognising outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country — went to Chris Stevens, a well-known United Kingdom country music broadcaster.

And the winners are For Country Work of the Year, they are Pictured above from left: Busby Marou, Bernard and Tash. Held at the East Cessnock Bowling Club, the day started with the 10 years and under section with Sam Thompson who took out the honours. Instrumental was won by Brayden Rowland of Parkville. Brayden's father Troy Rowland was udged runner-up.

Bill Rowland was second with his song Growing Old. In the Grand Final Showdown, all section winners sang another song — different to what they performed during the day. Louis Burt was judged Overall Winner on the day. Finalists have been announced for the International Songwriting Competition ISC and the list includes a good number of Australians.

Established in , the ISC is recognised as the world's largest songwriting competition and is open to all professional and amateur songwriters. More than 16, entries were received for the current Awards from countries. In country music and related categories, the following writers are listed among the finalists In the Country category Australian artists are being invited by the music industry benevolent fund Support Act to join EveryOneBand: You can record as much or as little as you want!

Anything, from a flute to a triangle part is welcomed. But we want more! Maleny Muster in September. A week-long celebration "of country and old-time music" includes guitar jams and blackboard sessions, production of the Family Concert of invited artists, Ukulele Friday and an Old Time Dance. The Muster brings together musicians and audience from all corners of South East Queensland and further afield and will give local country musicians the opportunity to perform and interact with visiting players and professional performers, according to Muster organisers.

New Zealand's Taranaki Country Music Festival last month was deemed so successful, it will be held again next year, according to organisers. Hundreds of people attended the three day event held at the Waitara Memorial Hall. Country music enthusiasts and performers Jocelyn and George Tuahine — who run the Riverside Country Music Group — organised the festival which featured a line up including world champion yodeller Laura Downing from Australia.

Jocelyn says around people attended on the Saturday night when Laura performed. The hall was just packed. More than 50 motorhomes and caravans parked up for the weekend and many singers were first time visitors to Taranaki. Jocelyn says the festival goers were mostly from Taranaki and across the North Island. Festival supporter and country music fan George Worsley says the weekend was a great success and the music was of a high quality.

Line dancers from Hawke's Bay attended and gave a display with Taranaki line dancers which was great to watch. Foxtel and CMC noted: For Male Artist of the Year For Australian Video of the Year For Group or Duo of the Year For International Artist of the Year For International Video of the Year Winners will be announced Thursday March 15 at 8: Award winners pictured were announced earlier this month during the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival.

The names of a few more winners from the annual country music bash in Tamworth have come to light, from the talent quest activity run in the famous Tamworth Town Hall by Tamworth Regional Council.

Australia's longest-running such activity. Board members meeting this week elected artist manager Dan Biddle pictured as Chairman taking over from Dobe Newton who will remain as Association President. Roger Corbett, who has been Vice Chairman for some time now, remains in the position of Academy of Country Music General Manager and will "expand his focus on the growth of the Academy".

Meryl Davis continues in the role of Secretary and Ross Johnson as Treasurer, "rounding out an executive team which is focused on increasing the profile of Australian and New Zealand country music of all genres globally," according to a statement from the Association. Dan, who has 20 years experience working within record labels and music management, said: Back for its 31st year, the Penrith Working Truck Show will be another big day of non-stop entertainment next month.

A crowd of more than 20, are expected for the event which will have hundreds of vehicles on display from huge B doubles to custom trucks "plastered with chrome detailing and spectacular airbrushing" together with "the outstanding collection of fire engines owned by the Museum of Fire. Children will be kept busy with 22 free rides, free fairy floss, free face painting, free airbrush tattooing and other activities.

For this cost, all rides, entertainment, activities and exhibits inside the show are free. As a registered charity event, all funds raised from the Show will be used to educate families in fire safety and to "preserve the history of our bravest". The event is supported by local fire fighters, who are helping to run the event. Entry forms are available from www. The celebration of Australian Indigenous culture features music, dance, film, fashion, food and sport and will include a special focus on Indigenous art and a performance by Australian country music favourite Troy Cassar-Daley.

Highlights of the four day festival include an Indigenous fashion parade featuring top Indigenous model Samantha Harris, and celebrity chef Mark Olive will return to present the "Tastes of Tjungu Desert Dining Experience under the stars" featuring a contemporary bush foods-inspired menu. Troy, and rising young star Alice Skye pictured , will also give a special performance. As well as the music, the day will feature "an array of family friendly experiences" including rides, food and market stalls and demonstrations.

The brainchild of Deepwater Inn owners, Longhorn Country runs up to and including Sunday with a feast of entertainment and activities. Walk-ups run from today with "great prizes" and camping is available for visitors. For Independent Single of the Year For Independent EP of the Year Independent Album of the Year Video Clip of the Year For Emerging Artist of the Year For Songwriter of the Year Australian born Canadian country star Gord Bamford is heading "down under" for a series of performance dates next month.

He will be supported on the tour by well known Aussie country star Kevin Bennett. Gord's tour is predominantly to showcase his latest album release — his second in Australia, eighth studio album in Canada. Returning to Australia in is something he has been working towards since the last tour. It is a great atmosphere and I just feel blessed to be able to come to the place I was born, play my music and reconnect with my father and family. Gord grew up in Traralgon until the age of five when his parents separated.

His mother moved him — and his sister Twila — to Canada. It was almost two decades before he returned to Australia again. Despite the time away, he says he has always felt an affinity with Australia. Voting is limited to a pre-determined list of finalists; voters can vote every day until the close of voting on February For New Artist of the Year For Female Artist of the Year For Austraian Artist of the Year The presentations will be hosted by The McClymonts.

The ICMAs are a more low-key fan-voted awards presented to independent artists, groups, balladeers and bands during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Keith won all three categories In the Blackened Billy competition for written verse There were poems of nostalgia and regrets for past or passing eras.

There were stories about our relationships with other species especially dogs and horses. Then there were poems of life as it is in city, coastal, country or outback locations, highlighting the concerns and issues faced by Australians today. This was the third year of the competition which awarded cash prizes to placegetters as well as a "paid gig" at the January festival. The baton — nearing the end of it's almost year-long journey from Buckingham Palace to the Games on the Gold Coast in April — came to Tamworth via Gunnedah.

Sixteen baton bearers were selected as carriers through Tamworth ending with Troy at a special celebration next to the city's Bicentennial Park. Troy said he was humbled to be given the honour of carrying the baton alongside local "unsung heroes".

A total of 12 young ladies were a part of the Queen of Country Music Quest which was organised again this year by Tamworth Zonta. The Quest is not a beauty pageant. Entrants are judged on their presentation, personality, participation, deportment and knowledge of the Tamworth region and the country music festival. Among quest prizes are an all expenses paid trip to Tamworth sister city Gore, New Zealand for the Queen and Princess, for that city's annual country music festival.

The family band of six — Kerrie Gambley, husband Dave Church and children Ella, Jackson, Lachlan and Marcus — hail from Mt Tamborine in Queensland and have been winning a swag of awards since organising as a musical outfit in Between them, they play accordion, bass, double bass, drums, guitar, harp, mandolin, resonator guitar, ukulele and xaphoon It also helps them build a solid foundation in Tamworth and set themselves up to take on other opportunities As winner of the Toyota Landcruiser Busking Championships, Haystack Mountain Hermits took home prizes including a number of performance opportunities.

The other major event that takes place on the main Saturday of the Tamworth Country Music Festival is the giant street parade, the Country Music Cavalcade. Almost individual floats made their way down Tamworth's Peel Street on Saturday morning to the cheers and applause of thousands of fans lining the street. In addition to the official placings, two entrants received "highly commended" from the judges, Australian Air League Cadet Group and Tamworth Pipe Band.

The CCMA inited all solo winners of known talent quests in Tamworth this January to compete on Saturday afternoon the main day of the country music shindig for the titles of junior and senior Tamworth Champions of Champions.

These included winners of the CCMA's own SongStars songwriting competition as well as the junior and senior talent quests conducted in the Tamworth Town Hall during the week.

Kasey Chambers is the 51st inductee to the Country Music Roll of Renown, at 41, the youngest yet to be elevated to Australasian country music's highest honour. In making the presentation during last night's Golden Guitar Awards, last year's winner Troy Cassar-Daley said Kasey had earned the admiration and respect of both her industry peers and her multitude of fans all over the world.

Time and time again, Troy said, she has demonstrated her extraordinary ability to connect with country and mainstream audiences in both Australia and overseas. Accepting the Award, Kasey paid a special tribute to her parents Bill and Diane and to her brother Nash her long-time record producer.

Born in Mount Gambier on June 4, , Kasey grew up on the Nullarbor, sharing the music that infused the lives of parents Bill and Diane and brother Nash.

Kasey's first solo album, The Captain , released in , was a national sensation, hailed as fresh inspiration for Australian country music. Kasey has released a string of highly awarded recordings including some with other artists, all featuring her distinctive vocals, powerful lyrics and unique contemporary approach. Acclaimed in Australia, she has also gathered a large following in the USA.

The Roll itself comprises large bronze plaques mounted on a cluster of giant granite boulders in front of the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre. They also wrote the song and directed the video clip. The song was by Amber and Travis with Matt Scullion.

Lee Kernaghan had been previously announced as winner of the "top selling" award for his 25th Anniversary album. As well as their SongStar titles, Tayla and Kasey now compete in the Champion of Tamworth Champions at the Town Hall this afternoon against other talent quest winners from this year's festival.

Junior winner Kase y left the event before the announcement of winners to honour a performance committment. Hattie and Rory also have the opportunity to compete in today's Champion of Tamworth Champions event. Brothers3, another perrenial winner, snaffled their 12th People's Choice Award, this one for Best Group.

Gina Timms pictured here receiving her trophy from presenter and fellow award winner Dale Duncan was named Best Female Vocal winner. Moving tributes were paid during the night to three legendary broadcasters who passed away during the past year The Galaxy of Stars was introduced in with Slim Dusty.

The Galaxy of Stars was introduced to formally recognise the achievements of outstanding country music stars. The actual "star" plaques are displayed in the forecourt at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre. Jorja Dalton and New Zealand's M. Jorja was judged winner of the junior section while the M.

Trio won the senior section. Matthew Munro was presented with the Nathaniel O'Brien Encouragement Award Nathaniel, a previous Entertainer of the Year winner, died tragically in a motor vehicle accident while still very young.

Photo by Bob Mcgahan from left, standing: Alison, Matthew, Finnian, Jorja and Harriet; front: Tracy will be joined at the launch concert by fellow balladeers Jeff Brown and Glenn Jones which will double as a tribute to the late Stan Coster, Tracy'.

Key among the accolades was Greg Champion's elevation to the ranks of Song Maker, Australia's country music songwriting hall of fame. Adelaide's "In Daily" reported that, together with host Todd McKenney, a show that was entertaining, amusing and moving was produced. Big Golden Guitar turns Acclaimed as one of Australia's most recognisable "Big" icons, it shares the spotlight with a handful of other famous big statues such as the Big Merino at Goulburn and the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour.

It is a major tourism centre and attraction now with a wax museum, a cricket museum, a busy cafe and country music souvenir merchandise. Importantly, it is one of the attractions that provides Tamworth with a year round country music presence. Max and Warwick are pictured acknowledging the 30th anniversary of the Big Golden Guitar. Brad trumped fellow finalists Brad says he was inspired to pursue his country music career after a month-long songwriting trip to Nashville in He recorded his debut album of which his first single, Too Drunk to Drive, debuted at number two on the iTunes country chart.

Star Maker Co-ordinator Cheryl Byrnes said: Brad has a unique country spirit. The networking is extraordinary. Brad thanked his family and friends for coming out to cheer him on "all the way" from Jindabyne, NSW. It's true to say there's nary a venue that works in Tamworth that doesn't have some sort of activity running during the January country music festival.

Pubs, clubs, major theatres, local halls, church halls, the main street of town and most of the shopping centres. The shopping centre with the most activity is Tamworth Shoppingworld off Bridge Street, West Tamworth, which hosts a big program of entertainment for nine days of the Festival.

As most previous Festival visitors from recent years would be aware, the main attraction at Shoppingworld is one of Australia's best known country pioneers, Chad Morgan. Chad — aka "the Sheik from Scrubby Creek" — kicked off his regular series of performances on Friday and continues every day up to and including Saturday from Dare 2 Dance linedancing demonstrations will be conducted all of this week, Monday to Friday, from 2pm to 4pm. All shows at Shoppingworld are held in the centre food court area and there is no charge for admission.

Based on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, Don Costa has been one of our best known independent entertainers for many years. He has a number of recordings under his belt, has performed at numerous country music festivals and has been inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame. For many years, he performed with brother Paul as the Costa Brothers. Since deciding to pursue solo careers, Paul Costa has built an impressive list of awards and accolades including numerous finalist nominations in the Golden Guitar Awards.

Long involved in country music, especially in Queensland, Hugo Fitz-Herbet started in the business playing drums for the Webb Brothers but played professionally in Sydney during the late s and early s. Graeme Hugo began his music career in at the age of 18 and continues to this day.

South Australian based, he has toured throughout Australia several times with a number of high profile artists and has performed at numerous notable venues including the Sydney Opera House. Apart from his work as a musician, Nev has also run an independent recording studio which has recorded numerous artists over the years. Peter Simpson has become more known in recent years for his marital and musical collaboration with Dianne Lindsay but prior to that partnership, he has had a long and successful career of his own.

He is very well respected for his guitar playing, and especially for his bush ballad style playing, and as an award-winning songwriter. He has a number of his own recordings. Kevin worked as a long-distance transport operator for a period before working as a professional musician. At one time, he wrote and recorded for the then RCA label and had his own country band, The Hilltones. The hand imprinting ceremony will be held at the Hands of Fame, next Saturday January 27 from Three names are being added this year Marge Graham pictured , John Slaven pictured and Wally Wray who, between them, have been playing country music on the radio for more than 35 years.

The final award announced yesterday at the Hall of Fame was the Eric Watson Literary Award, named after one of Australia's most prolific country music historians. Pioneer country music writer and historian Ian Hands was presented with the honour. Ian is particularly known for his concentration on recording the history of our early country music pioneers.

In a surprise announcement yesterday afternoon in the Tamworth Town Hall, leading Australian country music journalist and writer Anna Rose was recognised for her service to Tamworth via country music. The special award is simply known as The Tamworth Award and has been presented by Noel and Dawn Smith theyre the folk who organise the Golden Guitar trophies every year, among other things!

Long-time broadcaster and country music personality Brian Howard makes the presentation annually on behalf of Noel and Dawn. Highlights of day two of the Tamworth Country Music Festival include Cowboy Up, a rodeo-horse-sports oriented fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service. Billed as a family event, Cowboy Up will also include a two hour concert starring American singer and recording artist Eric Lee Beddingfield pictured and a ute and truck show. Eric was a key supporter of the inaugural staging of Cowboy Up in Tamworth last January.

It gets underway at 6: Daily live radio broadcasts from the Festival will also take place as well as live broadcasts from Tamworth of Saturday Night Country and Australia All Over on Sunday morning. This partnership takes the relationship to an exciting new level, enabling the Festival and ABC to reach country music lovers across all our platforms in all corners of Australia and internationally. Handprints will be set in concrete the following Saturday at the Hands of Fame cornerstone at the corner of Kable Avenue and Bridge Street.

Amber Lawrence will host the announcement event from From those humble beginnings, "Tamworth" grew to a three day weekend festival, then to a week and ultimately to the jam-packed 10 days we now see every year in the northern half of NSW. From a talent quest, winners concert and gala recording awards presentation, the annual January shindig has grown to become Australia's biggest music festival, the second biggest country music festival and one of the top 10 music festivals in the world.

The variety of country music is endless during the 10 days with more than performers and 2, shows across different venues in and around Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital. Bush poets come to town, buskers, bluegrass players, singers, songwriters, broadcasters and industry people all converge on Tamworth for the annual music fest and unofficial industry "convention".

All culminating in a giant weekend which still features the CCMA Jamboree, the glitter of the Golden Guitar Awards and one of the many new events, the massive Country Music Cavalcade along Tamworth's "boulevarde of dreams". Dozens of shows and performances run through the day — far to many to list — concluding with the Australian Academy of Country Music Graduation Concert at Wests from 4pm and the Official Opening Concert from 7pm although visitors should arrive much earlier to claim a seating area.

Pictured top, from left: Mark, Travis, Rachael and Judah; above: Throughout the Festival, the Bulletin will be covering all the news with talent quest and award winners and all other aspects that need reporting.

Updates will be posted to our facebook page as we report Country Music is always in his thoughts and, over the years, his passion has seen the development of not only the Festival itself, but a wide range of activity which has stimulated and encouraged the growth of the genre and industry that goes with it, all over Australia.

The other is the recording of the history of Australian country music since its inception by Tex Morton, the acknowledged "Father" of the uniquely Australian version of the genre, in By co-incidence it was also the year of Max's birth so he can claim that his entire existence has run parallel to Australian country music's life line.

The book celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Golden Guitar Awards and the beginning of the Festival in Now he has produced another Milestone, or rather a series of Milestone events and happenings since Tamworth first took notice of country music way back in the s. He has researched and compiled the list of hundreds of events and happenings which have shaped the Capital and placed them in chronological order, often with background material to assist with an understanding of their importance.

The feature also references a list of both 2TM staff and country musicians from the early period of the Awards up to the s. Max insists it's a work in progress so if anyone has any comments, corrections or omissions they are concerned about, he'd love to hear from you, at info historyofcountrymusic. Organisers of Australia's annual Country Music People's Choice Awards today announced the line-up of finalists who will perform at this year's gala presentation.

Country music broadcaster and a previous winner of the Most Popular Country Music DJ award Jane Kellaway will compere the event with special surprise guest hosts and award presenters. The People's Choice Awards provide recognition and encouragement to artists and country music announcers as voted by the people.

This is not a criticism of other more established and longer running awards, Bob said, "like the Golden Guitars which are peer-judged and peer-voted". The People's Choice Awards have been running continuously since the turn of the century.

Further information, including a complete rundown of finalists and a link to ticket sales, can be obtained from the website This January celebrates another major achievement for James James is acknowledged by many as the act that single-handedly shaped modern Australian country music.

The first single from the album has been released — a reworked version of James' biggest chart hit Way Out West, his duet of The Dingoes original with James Reyne in that shot to number two overall on the national ARIA mainstream singles chart.

The CCMA has issued a challenge to try and determine if there are any still continuously running talent quests that have been going longer than the National Talent Quest. A change to CCMA activity this year sees the Jamboree re-badged as the Champion of Tamworth Champions which will be an invitational for the winners of all solo-entrant talent quest activity taking place during the January Country Music Festival.

This event will determine senior and junior champions, each of whom will win a scholarship to the Australian Academy of Country Music in January The CCMA is still directly running one section of the talent quest, the senior and junior songwriting sections under the banner Battle of the SongStars. This will be conducted as a "facebook live" event at 2pm on Thursday January Four friends or five to be precise of the late June Smyth are coming together for two special concerts during this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival to honour June's life.

The long-time host at Tamworth's famous Longyard Hotel, and more latterly the country music specialist at Tamworth Council, June died tragically in November after retiring to the NSW coast some years earlier. For eighteen years they sang and played together at The Longyard: Colin, Greg and Jane were mainstays at The Longyard in its early days. A number of special bluegrass events will be staged during this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Bluegrass Comes To Tamworth: More information on this event can be found here. The event will seek out four finalists in each section, Fiddle, Banjo and Guitar with the winners to receive a number of special prizes to determine junior and senior Tamworth bluegrass champions. The Industry Observer reported Carey and Golden claim in their lawsuit that the two songs are musically, lyrically and thematically similar. Specifically, the lawsuit says, the songs are "substantially similar in bars of both songs" and a detailed analysis of chord structure and melody are presented in the paperwork.

Darren Coggan will host the event that will also showcase new and rising stars. Further information, including booking detail, can be obtained via www. A wide range of traditional country music concerts and showcases will be staged from Friday to Friday January 19 to Artists appearing this year include The Salvation Army Canteen provides food and hot and cold drinks at the venue and there is plenty of parking for patrons.

During their stay in Tamworth, the Association will be running its annual general meeting on Saturday, January 27 at 2pm. For a full rundown of shows, visit www. Tracy is doing double duty this January and for most of this year as she is now featuring in the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and will do so until November. I have dedicated a lifetime to country music, loved every minute and would not change a thing.

The Hall of Fame said they wanted to recognise all generations of Australian country music artists and Tracy was part of the middle to younger generation currently being featured. Following the release last month of semi finalists, the Tamworth Songwriters' Association has now announced top five finalists for the Salute Awards and National Songwriting Contest.

In the Songwriter Salute Awards, the finalists are Highway 39 by Wendy Phypers. Anzac Song of the Year In the Lyrics Only section In the Youth section It's no surprise that Keith Urban has topped the chart of Australia's top selling country albums for Not only is Keith's latest studio album — Ripcord — at number one, he has three other albums — two "best of" collections and his previous studio album — Fuse — in the top seller list Lee Kernaghan's 25th Anniversary Album 35 weeks in to date comes in at number two while Kasey Chambers' Dragonfly is at number three for the year, the second in the Great Country Songbook series this one by Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole is at number four and The McClymonts' most recent studio album — Endless — is at five.

The Very Best Of Slim Dusty , at number seven, is a perrenial seller, notching up a mighty weeks in the chart as of this week. If it remains as popular as it looks like it's going to, the "best of" release will pass 1, weeks almost 20 years in early July. Interestingly, country fared better than "pop" in the respective charts.

Half of the country top 10 were Australian acts compared to no homegrown hits in the 10 of the broader Australian international albums chart. A preliminary rundown of artists scheduled to appear at the popular Toyota Fanzone in Tamworth during this month's country music festival has been announced.

Situated in the heart of the city's central business district, the Toyota sponsored activity features a continuous program of free entertainment with established and rising stars alike. Over the years, Toyota Fanzone has grown to be one of the most popular destinations for artists to get close to their fans. Fanzone operates from 9. A large concentration of bush poetry will be a highlight again at this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival.

A choice of day is offered to competitors as there are three heats before the finals on Saturday January Sessions kick off at Entries will close when all sessions are filled.